and confirmed its intrinsic excellency. And it seems to have been the design of our Lord, that in every after age, it should extend itself by the internal evidence of its admirable precepts, and the external display of its benign effects. And if its professors did but act up to their principles, an appeal might be made to their lives for the best recommendation of their faith; and less would need be written in defence of the gospel; for every doubt and every objection must yield to the loveliness of example, and the eloquence of practice.

When the graces of Christianity adorn the character, and its virtues dignify the conduct, its beauty must attract every eye, and its worth gain on every heart. Men, from admiring, will insensibly be induced to imitate such illustrious models, which, "bettering all precept, shine before the world, the fairest call to good." Such bright displays will not only be seen, but felt, and may kindle, even in the coldest and most insensible hearts, a noble emulation, the best of all emulation the emulation of doing well. For a good example, as has been already intimated, has not only in itself a tendency to form the tempers and morals of others to an assimulation,

but it also places religion in a very engaging light, and naturally begets an esteem, love and choice of it in every observer.

True, the sublime teachings and heavenly doctrines of Jesus Christ, surpassed in glory and excellency, all others; but the astonishing success that attended his ministry, must be attributed to the power of example. In vain had Jesus taught the sublime truth, that God is a purely spiritual Father; that his very nature is love, and that all his attributes centre and harmonize in this changeless and immortal principle; in vain endeavored to prove the divinity of his mission; in vain besought men, by all the fervor and power of superhuman eloquence, to receive his message, and to acknowledge himself as the Son of God-had he not been GOOD. It was his godlike life, his pure, and high, and heavenly morality, that gave a sanctifying efficacy and an overwhelming might to his instructions. When he taught that men should be just, merciful, forgiving, and good; that the poor and distressed, the lost and wandering, should be treated with compassion or sympathy, enemies with love, and all classes with kindness and affection, he most gloriously illustrated these requisites in his personal inter

course with them, adding to the beauty of his precepts, the power of his example.

Jesus depended, not so much upon the heavenly doctrines which he taught; not upon the simple, and beautiful, and impressive eloquence in which it was communicated; nor yet upon the multitudes "out of every place," that hung upon his steps, and who listened with rapture to his message of love, to give character and success to the gospel ministry, as upon the things which he did. "Go and show John the things that ye do hear and see; the blind receive their sight, and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up, and the preached to them."

poor have the gospel

The success of his message was not so much the effect of what the preacher said, as how he lived, and what acts he performed.

With the utmost propriety, then, did the Savior recommend to his disciples an exemplary conduct, but as befitting the high and honorable office he had assigned them, and as eminently conducive to its success in the world.

That the apostles carried out the requirements, doctrines, and examples of their Mas

ter, may be learned by reference to their history. They were actuated by the same sense of duty, and performed it with similar moral courage. Like him, they lived; like him, they were kind, frank, self-sacrificing and forgiving. They sought no service, no good, no approbation, but that of truth, of obedience, of conscience, and of God. And here lies the great secret of the power which they exerted over the minds of men, their living in conformity to the principles and doctrines which they taught. Did they require love and reverence toward God, kindness and beneficence toward men, they set the example, and illustrated their meaning, and the influence of their doctrines, by reducing them to practice. This alone could make them successful; for the truth can win the hearts of men, and become irresistible in its might, glorious in its moral and social influences, only when illustrated by the beauty of holiness.

What was their duty as teachers, is becoming us as disciples. If we would see the great and important principles of the Gospel reign and triumph, and enjoy the glorious results of its manifestation, the great and collective body of its professors must obey its require

ments.

That the truth may prosper and be

glorified, and men be most readily and effectually drawn into the kingdom of Christ, those who hear must be virtuous, diligent, and persevering, as well as those who preach. And especially should our faith be founded upon reason, free from absurdity, giving a consistent and rational exposition of the Scriptures of divine truth, as every inconsistency, as well as every deviation, is considered a reason for skepticism.

It is, therefore, highly expedient that we give our religion all the authority of our acknowledgement, and all the recommendation of our example; that by our conversation and conduct we may "exhibit lucid proof that we are honest in the sacred cause ;" and that it may be apparent in our "good words," that christianity produces the happiest effects, contributes to the improvement and felicity of man, and to the honor and glory of God.

Be ye, therefore, shining professors and bright examples of religion, as were the followers of Christ, who lived in a dark and misguided age! Thus adorn the doctrine of God your Savior, making your lives a faithful commentary upon it, and a high recommendation of it! Thus win it admirers and gain it proselytes that will do honor to its cause.